Robert fFinden Davies was killed in action at the Somme on 9 September 1916.

Davies was born on 10 December 1876, the son of Frederick Herbert Davies, and educated at Marlborough College (C2). He was a Captain in the Rifle Corps and in the Shooting VIII, a passion and skill that would stay with him. He married Helena Lucy Atkins.

He became a member of the Stock Exchange in 1898 and worked at 9 & 10 Tokenhouse Yard in the City. He lived at 170 Sutherland Avenue, Maida Vale. He was also a Liveryman following his father into the Clothworkers Company.

On leaving school he joined the 1st Middlesex Volunteer Rifle Corps and fought in the South African War, where his company was attached to a battalion of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He was awarded the South African medal with four clasps. His letter home from South Africa was published in the Regimental History:

Though he had already given great proof of his skill as a rifle shot, his victory in the King’s Prize at Bisley in 1906 was a surprise to everyone except his friends. From that time onward he was recognized as one of the finest and most enthusiastic marksmen in the country. He did much to keep alive interest in rifle shooting before the opening of Lord Roberts’ campaign, and he helped greatly to make the Bisley meeting an enjoyable social event. He reached the final stages of the King’s Prize on four occasions, shot for England in 1910 and 1911 at Bisley and represented his country at the Olympic games at Stockholm in 1912.

Unsurprisingly he was the Regiment’s musketry instructor in 1903:

Davies had retired with an Honorary Captaincy in the regular army in 1908, but he rejoined at the outbreak of war, served for two years in England and went to the Front in 1916.

He was killed at the head of his men on 9 September of that year.

He has no known grave, but is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, (Pier and Face 9 C).

Davies was initiated on 30 October 1901 and became Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1910.